NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA and defense/Armenia 2020... · Armenian...

NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

A RESILIENT ARMENIA IN A CHANGING WORLD

JULY 2020

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PRIME MINISTER’S REMARKS

I believe that, in discussing our national security, one first has to reflect on our national identity, since national security is about preserving that national identity—shielding it from physical and substantive threats. Nevertheless, national identity is not static. Our nation and its people have existed for millennia. However, the notion of what it means to “be Armenian” has changed over time, in light of a range of circumstances, events, and factors.

Today, we may not know the meaning that a subject of King Artaxias I attributed to the word “Armenian”, but we do know that it differed from how we understand

it today. At minimum, they were unaware of our current existence; whereas, we surely are aware of theirs. This fact, in itself, indicates that national identity does evolve.

We are unaware if the Armenians of 2,000 years ago considered our current existential interests as part of their decision-making, or whether such reasoning existed at all. However, in our current time, we can factor that in—knowing the past, we can reflect beyond just the present day and immediate future, but also project onto the horizon of the millennia to come.

This may be the pivot whereupon a national outlook becomes an existential imperative, as an institution up to the task of drawing on our past and present experience to focus beyond just the needs of today, but project its message into the future—a message that would connect the Armenian living a thousand years from now with the Armenian who lived a thousand years ago.

Perhaps this is how national identity and national awareness evolve: through historical experience, through awareness of that history, through the positive and negative impressions that accumulate over that experience, and through future aspirations, connected organically with both the past and the present. Over the years, our national identity has developed to an

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extent that allows us to define our purpose—to ensure the existence and development of our generations on this planet, on the territory of the Armenian state for millennia to come—and to view our present endeavors within this context.

The Armenian who lives on this planet 2,000 years from now will be different from us, just as we differ from the Armenians who lived 2,000 years ago. One such difference is that we can convey our message to the Armenians of the future. The central idea of that message should focus on what connects them with us and with the Armenians who lived 2,000 years before us, and what conditions would strengthen this connection and make it viable. At the same time, this connection should not become constraining.

It should not hold us back but, rather, push us forward, motivate and inspire us. It should not become a suffocating presence, but rather provide an incentive for every Armenian to view themselves as integral to a millenia-old mission, and thus expand its scope and enrich its content. It should instill trust and a longing for self-acknowledgment and self-recognition.

The most vital element of national identity is the connection with one’s roots, a sense of ownership over a national legacy and values, crystalized through history. It strengthens every individual’s faith in and reliance on their abilities and, consequently, the faith in and reliance on the abilities of the entire nation and its people. For this reason, in the preamble to the National Security Strategy, I consider it necessary to chart a trajectory best formulated by poet Vahan Teryan in the following lines:

Babylon was once our adversary, see How it has been lost, passed on—like an ominous mist.

- Vahan Teryan

We have been conceived in the Armenian Highland, our patriarch was Hayk, and we are called Armenians. We are the heirs of the Kingdom of Van, the Orontid dynasty, the Artaxiad dynasty, the Arsacid dynasty, the Bagratid dynasty, the Kingdom of Cilicia, and the First Republic of Armenia.

We acknowledge the exceptional role of the Armenian SSR in the development of education, science, culture, and industry in Armenia.

We are the proud citizens of the Third Armenian Republic, the sons and daughters of the Armenian nation, who founded the Third Armenian Republic and liberated Artsakh.

The Republic of Armenia is the guarantor of the security and liberty of the Armenians of Artsakh. The Republic of Armenia is a Pan-Armenian state and represents all the Armenians of the world.

The Armenian nation has survived many historical ordeals and has acquired the strength and vitality to make it to the 21st century through the skills, knowledge, and character it has developed by exercising statehood. Drawing on this historical knowledge, the Armenian nation

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succeeded in re-creating its independent state in the very wake of the Armenian Genocide—the Mets Yeghern.

The Armenian State is the sole guarantor of the existence and development of the Armenian nation.

Therefore, the Armenian State must persist eternally because the Armenian nation shall exist forever and ever.

NatioNal values

The values of the Armenian nation are:

– The Armenian state, citizenship of the Republic of Armenia, the Armenian Army;

– The history of the Armenian nation, its folklore, epics, beliefs, legends, and myths;

– The Armenian language and its alphabet, Armenian literature including translated works, knowledge, and science;

– The Pan-Armenian potential, the Armenian Diaspora;

– The homeland, the family, the individual;

– The Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Catholic Church, the Armenian Evangelical Church, Christianity;

– Armenian music of the ashough, goussan, folk, classical, bard, and popular traditions, Armenian dance, Armenian visual arts, Armenian theater, and Armenian architecture;

– The nature and biodiversity of Armenia;

– Progress, liberty, self-respect, hospitality, education, work ethic, abidance of the law, respect and tolerance toward other people, nations, and religions. Fraternity with the ethnic minorities living in Armenia and Artsakh, with whom an unbreakable unity is expressed via citizenship of the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh;

– Armenian cuisine, all examples of tangible and intangible heritage that express, portray, describe, or symbolize the values described herein.

NatioNal goals

The goals of the Armenian nation are:

– Ensuring the ideological, security, social, political, legal, economic, demographic, inter-national, educational, intellectual, and cultural institutional conditions necessary for the perpetuity of Armenian statehood;

– International recognition of Artsakh’s right to self-determination without preconditions;

– International recognition of the Armenian Genocide, overcoming and eliminating its consequences;

– Securing and protecting Armenian citizens’ rights to security, prosperity, liberty, and happiness, as well as other universal rights;

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– Guaranteeing equality before the law, equality between women and men, equal opportunities for women and men to partake in social, administrative, and economic activities, and ultimately affirming national unity through the protection of rights and fulfillment of duties;

– Protecting and developing the national and state identity, autonomy, and sovereignty of the Armenian people, including the restoration and development of identity among Armenians whose national self-awareness has waned or is waning, through substantially increasing the level of Armenian language proficiency among all Armenians, as well as those who hold Armenian citizenship;

– Consolidating the Pan-Armenian potential around the national goals, as well as preserving and developing the national values.

Rules of co-existeNce foR all aRmeNiaNs

1. The toolkit for resolving any and every Intra-Armenian issue shall exclude violence. All factions and individuals who consider violence as a means of resolving an Intra-Armenian issue must be shunned. The vision of a society and a nation free from violence must become the cornerstone of national unity. This principle still allows for the lawful use of force in preventing and exposing crime, securing the public’s orderly way of life, and defending the homeland from aggression.

2. The people and its free will are the principal source of authority. Any attempt to subvert or distort the free expression of the people’s will shall be viewed as an action directed against the state and the nation.

3. The sovereignty of Armenia and Artsakh, of the Armenian nation, is a primary value. Factions willing to bring in external actors to Intra-Armenian issues or issues internal to Armenia, and willing to act as conduits for foreign interests, must encounter the firm opposition of the Armenian people and its legitimate agent—the Government of Armenia.

4. Armenia and Artsakh must be free from corruption, and all its manifestations, including favoritism, artificial monopolies, and fabricated impediments to competition, must be eradicated. Material damages to the state and the people caused by corrupt practices must be indemnified.

5. The supremacy of rights and the law, equality before the law, the protection of rights, and fulfillment of duties must be the crux of internal relations. Courts susceptible to external or domestic influence are threats to national security. The courts must be independent. No group or individual should be entitled to exclusive privileges in the economy, politics, or any public sphere.

6. The goal of the negotiation process on the settlement of the Artsakh issue should be to consolidate the outcomes of the liberation war, fought for the self-determination and security of the people of Artsakh. No government-negotiated solution can be acceptable unless deemed as such by the people of Armenia and Artsakh.

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the woRld aNd us

Positioned at “the West of the East” and “the East of the West” throughout its history, Armenia often found itself center-stage to civilizational conflict. We dismiss the presumption of civilizational conflict and position ourselves as a proponent for dialogue between civilizations. Our vision for foreign relations rests upon international and inter-ethnic dialogue, based on mutual respect and an aspiration to understand and be understood. Facilitating dialogue and multilateral relations between civilizations, nations, and states must become the manifestation of our commitment to peace and stability in the world. Armenia is ready to become a platform for such dialogue.

Nikol Pashinyan Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia

NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY OF RA | 1

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................2

2. ARMENIA’S SECURITY ENVIRONMENT .....................................................................................4

3. NATIONAL INTERESTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA ..........................................................8

4. ENSURING THE INDEPENDENCE, SOVEREIGNTY, AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF ARMENIA, AND THE SECURITY OF ARTSAKH ......................................................10

Formation of a more favorable external environment ....................................................11Deterrence and neutralization of military threats ..........................................................12Ensuring the security of Artsakh ......................................................................................15

5. PEACE AND ENHANCED INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION .......................................................17

Promoting international cooperation, security, and peace ............................................18Genocide prevention .........................................................................................................19Armenia-Diaspora relations: a Pan-Armenian outlook ....................................................20

6. SECURING DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND THE RULE OF LAW ......................................23

7. ENSURING THE SECURITY AND WELL-BEING OF THE CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA, AND THE STATE’S SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT .............................................................................................27

Developing a resilient public security system ..................................................................28Ensuring open and safe information and cyber domains ................................................29Developing a competitive economy and ensuring food security .....................................30Developing a self-sufficient and stable energy system ...................................................31Promoting social well-being and improving the demographic situation .......................32Directing intellectual potential towards the high-tech and defense sectors ...................................................................................33Promoting public health and biosecurity ........................................................................34Rehabilitating, protecting, and improving the environment ..........................................36

8. CONCLUSION ..........................................................................................................................38

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The main goal of the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Armenia is to establish guidelines for ensuring the secure and forward-looking development and well-being of Armenia and the citizens of the Republic of Armenia. An independent, sovereign, and powerful Republic of Armenia is the guarantor of this goal and the homeland of Armenians dispersed throughout the world. The Strategy specifies the national interests of Armenia and the strategic means of their effective protection.

1.2 The international and regional security environment has undergone significant changes since the first National Security Strategy of the Republic of Armenia was adopted in 2007. These changes have created more sophisticated and multi-layered challenges for Armenia. Armenia itself has also changed. The non-violent Velvet Revolution of 2018 set a high standard for ensuring state security, development, and prosperity. In this new context, Armenia’s security policy hinges upon the democratic system of governance laying sound foundations for the strengthening of the country’s economic, political, intellectual, and consequently, military potential. These realities require a new and more ambitious National Security Strategy.

1.3 The Strategy is based on three fundamental principles. First, a strong and prosperous Armenia is the guarantor of its own security. There is no alternative to a strong and prosperous Armenian state for ensuring Armenia’s security. As a state interested in maintaining peace and stability, Armenia shall continually develop capacity along these dimensions and make continuous efforts towards enhancing its role in providing peace, security, and stability in the region. Armenia shall continue to invest in international security through the involvement of Armenian peacekeepers in international peace support missions, not only as a consumer, but also a provider of international security.

1.4 Second, this Strategy aims to contribute to a far-reaching goal: ensuring the perpetuity of Armenian statehood, preparing us to withstand whatever threat that may emerge to jeopardize it. The Armenian nation shall, once and for all, override the previous vicious cycle of acquiring and losing statehood, often caused by geopolitical factors beyond our control. The citizens


of the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian nation must hereafter assert their autonomy over the issue of Armenian statehood, the existence of which does not hinge on geopolitical factors, but emanates solely from the will of the Armenian nation. Attaining this goal presumes unifying Pan-Armenian efforts and capacities. Armenian statehood embodies the centuries-old aspirations of the Armenian people—and belongs both to the citizens of the Republic of Armenia and the entire Armenian nation, who are the bearers thereof and the protectors of its interests.

1.5 Third, in the constantly changing world, Armenia’s internal and external resilience should develop alongside its readiness to effectively respond to new and unforeseeable challenges. Currently, in the context of on-going, large-scale geopolitical changes, such as power shifts, the weakening of multilateral international platforms, and the erosion of mutual confidence among states, the main principles of the contemporary world order have become uncertain. Apart from addressing traditional and predictable threats, states and societies also need to counter unpredictable threats. The most salient example is the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, which shocked the health systems of the world’s leading states and plunged the global economy into a crisis. Armenia’s National Security Strategy aims to enhance resilience through a nationwide approach to planning and maintaining national security. The comprehensive provision of national security necessitates a convergence of the efforts at both the state administrative and societal levels. It is no coincidence that the Strategy includes both external political and military components together with social, economic, energy, health, scientific, information, and technological aspects of security.

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1.6 In order to withstand the threats and challenges of the changing world, ensure its own security, and effectively contribute to regional and international security, Armenia shall continue to enhance its international standing. Toward this purpose, Armenia shall develop its ability to employ the full range of the power toolkit, including soft power, putting its focus on its most important resource—human capital. It is within this context of human capital that the convergence of the potential of globally dispersed Armenians is viewed.


2. ARMENIA’S SECURITY ENVIRONMENT


2.1 Alongside traditional threats, rapid and unanticipated changes in the contemporary world order and security architecture bring forth new challenges for Armenia.

2.2 International relations display trends of weakening security systems, expressed in particular through increasing competition between states that have played a major role in maintaining global security, eroding arms control regimes, intensifying arms races, weakening multilateral platforms, as well as increasing inclinations to resolve conflicts through the use of force. Meanwhile, the evident trends of emerging new power centers intensify international rivalry, further contributing to the use of force.

2.3 Tensions between international and regional power centers and institutions detrimentally affect the prospect of Armenia’s cooperation with them. Concurrently, some regional states’ aspirations to play a more active role threatens to destabilize the existing balance of power and jeopardizes regional stability.

2.4 The fragmented and non-inclusive development of transportation, energy, and communications infrastructure deepens regional divisions, and subsequently contributes to regional instability.

2.5 Security threats in the modern world often appear in the form of hybrid warfare, including not only military elements, but also the use of economic means, cyber attacks, fake news, and disinformation.

2.6 Armenia is also concerned about a weakening commitment to democracy and human rights in the region and in the world.

2.7 Unresolved conflicts continue to loom over the sustainable development of regional states. Azerbaijan’s unconstructive position periodically frustrates and threatens the process of peaceful resolution for the Artsakh conflict, expressed through inclinations to resolve the conflict through the use or threat of force, an expansionist and uncompromising stance, unequivocal claims over the territory of the Republic of Armenia, Armenophobic policies, and the distortion of history. The adversary’s desire to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by military means, manifested in military actions unleashed against Artsakh in April 2016, as well as continual ceasefire violations, acts of incursion, military build-up, and the movement of troops, coupled with military exercises at both the Artsakh-Azerbaijan Line of Contact and the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border, all pose an immediate threat to Armenia. The continuous military build-up of a state that professes a hostile policy toward Armenia and Artsakh jeopardizes regional peace and stability.


2.8 From the perspective of regional security, we are concerned about the possibility of deepening discord between military-political alliances, and the member states they are composed of, that impact the South Caucasus region. Equally concerning is the potential weakening of those alliances and the specter of hostility among such states, that could harm Armenia’s interests. Particularly, the sale of arms to Azerbaijan further jeopardizes regional peace and stability. Our attention is also focused on possible political and military instability in neighboring states.

2.9 Turkey’s policy towards Armenia is unneighborly. It continues its blockade of Armenia, refusing to establish diplomatic relations without preconditions, denying and, in certain instances, justifying the Armenian Genocide.

2.10 At the same time, Turkey’s military-political assistance to Azerbaijan further strengthens the latter’s aspirations to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by military means. Turkey’s readiness for covert or overt intervention in the case of Azerbaijani-initiated military actions is particularly problematic.

2.11 Turkey’s unlawful use of force against its neighboring states and nations in turn jeopardizes the stability of the broader region, and increases the unpredictability of its possible actions against Armenia.

2.12 The decline of democracy and human rights in Turkey and Azerbaijan has a detrimental impact on their compliance with their international commitments, increasing the unpredictability of these countries for Armenia.

2.13 Armenia’s security environment is also affected by processes underway in the Middle East, which include, in particular, the expulsion of religious and ethnic minorities, the consolidation and spread of religious radicalism, internal conflicts, wars of attrition, and non-traditional and proxy warfare.

2.14 Terrorism and transnational organized crime, the transit and dissemination of weapons of mass destruction, drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal migration and human trafficking also pose threats to Armenia.

2.15 Domestic threats include current demographic trends negatively impacting Armenia’s security and its sustainable social and economic development. A decline in the birth rate, emigration, transformation of the population’s age structure, and uneven economic development pose substantial challenges and threats to Armenia, particularly in the form of brain drain, a reduced workforce, and an increasing burden on the social security system.

2.16 The increasing penetration of information communication technologies (ICTs) into every aspect of society has resulted in both opportunities and challenges. Concurrently with the development of the ICT sector, the security of the individual, society, and the state has become more vulnerable, and therefore needs protection in both the information and cyber domains.

Armenia is also concerned about

a weakening commitment to democracy and

human rights in the region and in the

world.


2.17 Any form of corruption poses a serious threat to Armenia’s government system. Corrupt practices diminish the state’s capacity to withstand national security threats.

2.18 Any manifestation of the criminal subculture, violence, hatred, and xenophobia divides society and poses a challenge to the state and society.

2.19 Despite positive trends in economic growth, we still face the challenges of possible financial instability, the scale of the shadow economy, limited economic diversification, and impediments to the investment environment and entrepreneurship.

2.20 Poverty, social inequality, and social polarization continue to exacerbate Armenia’s security challenges and threats.


3. NATIONAL INTERESTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA


Armenia’s principal national interests are:

3.1 Ensuring the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Armenia, and the security of Artsakh. Armenia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are the prerequisites for the security, development, and achievement of the goals of the Armenian people.

3.2 Peace and enhanced international cooperation. Being the guarantor of Artsakh’s security and having its contribution to the process of regional and international security, the Republic of Armenia is an advocate for peace and equitable cooperation.

3.3 Securing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Democracy, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law guarantee effective state governance and enhance the country’s internal resilience. The sole source of authority in the Republic of Armenia is the free will of its people.

3.4 Ensuring the security and well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the state’s sustainable economic development. Ensuring the security and well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia and the continued development of Armenia’s economic resilience is aimed at securing a dignified livelihood in the homeland and achievement of the people’s goals.


4. ENSURING THE INDEPENDENCE, SOVEREIGNTY, AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF ARMENIA, AND THE SECURITY OF ARTSAKH

NATIONAL INTERESTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA


FORMATION OF A MORE FAVORABLE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

4.1 Armenia’s foreign policy objectives are to ensure the sovereignty, security, and development of the state, as well as the formation of a more favorable external environment for the security and well-being of its citizens. In its foreign relations, Armenia draws on civilizational and democratic value systems, as well as the continual development of mutually beneficial and equal relations with all states.

4.2 The Republic of Armenia implements its foreign policy priorities on the basis of three fundamental, comprehensive, and interrelated principles: sovereignty, as the fundamental basis for carrying out foreign policy; a Pan-Armenian outlook, the idea of understanding and realizing collective Armenian interests; cooperation, as a means of establishing mutually beneficial and equal relations with states.

4.3 The Republic of Armenia is the guarantor of the security of Artsakh. This role is conditioned by Azerbaijan’s policy of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through military means, posing an existential threat to the population of Artsakh.

4.4 If Turkey were to cease its unneighborly policy toward Armenia and the Armenian people, it would cease to be a security threat for us.

4.5 Armenia views democracy and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms as vital components of peace and stability in the region. It will continue to support the entrenchment of these principles.

4.6 Given the increasing tensions between international and regional power centers and institutions, Armenia ascribes importance to the role of multilateral international platforms, including international security organizations, as well as the maintenance and strengthening of cooperation within them, respect for each other’s interests, and the principles of mutual assistance among allies. At the same time, Armenia shall continue its close cooperation with those global power centers and regional actors that pursue a policy of preserving peace and stability and are willing to cooperate in containing threats to peace.

4.7 Armenia’s foreign policy priorities include deepening and expanding its strategic alliance with the Russian Federation in the spheres of politics, trade and economy, defense, security, culture, and humanitarian assistance based on the historical friendship between the two nations. Guided by the principles of equality and the thorough consideration of each other’s interests, efforts shall be made to advance cooperation in both a bilateral format and within the framework of multilateral and integration associations, towards strengthening regional stability and security.


4.8 Armenia shall continue advancing its friendly partnership, as well as deepening its strategic dialogue, with the United States of America in the spheres of Armenia’s development, the implementation of its reform agenda, democracy, the protection of human rights, and the strengthening of international stability and security.

4.9 Armenia ascribes paramount importance to deepening friendly relations and expanding its bilateral and multilateral partnership with the European Union, its member states, and other European countries. The implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EU continues to contribute to Armenia’s development reform agenda. Armenia ascribes special importance to strengthening and advancing cooperation with France and Germany. We shall continue steadily fostering people-to-people contact and mobility between Armenia and EU member states.

4.10 Stability in neighboring Georgia and Iran is of great importance for Armenia. Based on mutually beneficial and special good-neighborly relations with Georgia and Iran, Armenia shall advance its effective cooperation with them in various dimensions, while taking care to shield these relationships from extraneous geopolitical influence.

4.11 We shall continue to strengthen the Armenia-Greece-Cyprus tripartite relationship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.

4.12 We shall consistently deepen friendly relations with the People’s Republic of China by expanding broad, multi-sector, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

4.13 Armenia shall also work with India to develop and deepen friendly and multidimensional cooperation.

4.14 Continuously expanding our cooperation with Middle Eastern states is among our priorities. Armenia must be involved in reforming the regional security system of the Middle East, aimed also at securing the historical presence of Armenians in the region.

4.15 Armenia ascribes importance to multilateral cooperation with like-minded states aimed at neutralizing global and regional security threats, preserving international order and peace on the basis of common values and principles.

DETERRENCE AND NEUTRALIZATION OF MILITARY THREATS

4.16 Armenia’s defense policy intends to protect the security and national interests of the state and its citizens. The main objective of the defense policy is to define and execute Armenia’s defense priorities by anticipating and evaluating military threats, containing them with

In its foreign relations, Armenia draws on civilizational and democratic value

systems, as well as the continual development of mutually beneficial and equal relations

with all states.


political-diplomatic tools, as well as deterring and neutralizing them with defense capabilities. We fulfill this mission through the comprehensive development of military capabilities and application techniques, in order to neutralize the adversary’s quantitative advantage with our qualitative excellence. As the guarantor of Artsakh’s security, the Republic of Armenia directs its defense policy towards ensuring the security of Artsakh.

4.17 In pursuit of our defense objectives, we shall continue to modernize our armed forces, develop command and control systems, improve military capabilities, raise the institutional efficiency of the armed forces, protect critical infrastructure, improve cybersecurity, and accelerate the progress of science and technology that contributes to the military industry. We shall also develop comprehensive mobilization capabilities.

4.18 In order to resolve issues that threaten regional security and contain potential aggression against the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh through peaceful means, a defense-security system that can effectively withstand military-political threats is required. In particular, we shall improve the readiness of our Armed Forces, adopt new approaches to warfare, develop Armenia’s military-industrial potential, and expand the scope of its military-economic cooperation.

4.19 We shall improve coordination among state administrative bodies in security-related decision-making, enhancing the state’s internal resilience.


4.20 If necessary, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, alongside stakeholder state agencies, shall partake in ensuring international security by involving Armenian peacekeepers and specialists in international peacekeeping missions, and broadening Armenia’s commitments in this area.

4.21 We are committed to improving democratic oversight of the defense sector to ensure the effective management of the Armed Forces, their political neutrality, the protection of the rights and interests of military personnel, and transparency, with the goal of making the Armed Forces an inseparable element of democratic governance.


ENSURING THE SECURITY OF ARTSAKH

4.22 The use of force by Azerbaijan in the context of the Karabakh conflict is the principal threat to Armenia’s security.

4.23 For the last three decades, Azerbaijan has continued to justify the mass slaughter of Armenians in Sumgait, Baku, Maragha, and Gandzak, and its Armenophobic policy has hindered the reconciliation process.

4.24 The military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan in April 2016, coupled with the atrocities and war crimes committed by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against the peaceful population of Artsakh, reaffirmed that the population of Artsakh faces an existential threat.

4.25 While committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict, the Republic of Armenia, as the guarantor of Artsakh’s security, supports the government of Artsakh in defending its population from Azerbaijan’s military aggression and coercion. The Republic of Armenia will prevent any new attempt to exterminate or expel the population of Artsakh.

4.26 Armenia is faithful to the peaceful resolution process under the aegis of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. The question of Artsakh’s status and security is the very basis of the peace process. In this context, Armenia finds security and confidence-building measures by all parties to the conflict as a necessary component for shaping an environment conducive to peace. All parties to the conflict should make equal efforts towards preparing their respective populations for peace.

4.27 We shall continue to support the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination without restriction or coercion. Ensuring the security of the people of Artsakh in the process of conflict resolution and in the post-resolution phase is a mandatory condition and is not subject to concession. Artsakh must have the necessary defense lines that will safeguard its security and provide a system of safe, secure, and diversified communication with the external world, including the Republic of Armenia.

4.28 The right of peoples to self-determination, recognized by the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and all OSCE member states as one of the fundamental principles for the resolution of the conflict, provides a basis for the people of Artsakh, represented by its legitimately-elected government, to fully participate in all stages of negotiations determining their destiny.

4.29 The indefinite ceasefire agreements, signed in 1994-1995 between the Republic of Armenia, Artsakh, and Azerbaijan, created a solid military-political equilibrium and the conditions necessary for the peace process. Azerbaijan’s attempts to disrupt this military-political


equilibrium, its periodic ceasefire violations, and its expansionist stance in negotiations are aimed at forcing Artsakh to relinquish its statehood and legitimate rights, and thus impede the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

4.30 The Republic of Armenia shall continue to support human rights and democratic institutions in Artsakh, as well as further strengthen its economic and environmental security. Human rights, including political, civil, economic, social, and cultural rights, are inalienable values, the protection of which should be a collective goal of the international community.

4.31 The Republic of Armenia is determined to ensure that the collective rights of the population of Artsakh to determine its own future, its governing structure, its economic development models and approaches, and its universal right to elect its own democratic government are both exercised and recognized.

4.32 The Republic of Armenia will provide necessary assistance to Artsakh for expanding and deepening its international relations so that its population can benefit from international cooperation, fulfill its potential, and exercise its rights.


5. PEACE AND ENHANCED INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION



PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, SECURITY, AND PEACE

5.1 In the context of strengthening capacity in the defense sector, forming an external security environment favorable to Armenia, and supporting global and regional stability, Armenia ascribes importance to international military-political cooperation.

5.2 In the defense and security sectors, Armenia shall continue to develop both bilateral and multilateral formats of military, military-political, and military-technical cooperation with the Russian Federation, including the expansion of collective defense capabilities and continual advancement of allied relations.

5.3 Armenia actively participates in joint initiatives within the framework of the CSTO, aimed at the effective protection of mutual interests of member states and the development of institutional capacity. Armenia shall continue to work towards ensuring the fulfillment of allied commitments by the member states of the CSTO and increasing its organizational effectiveness.

5.4 We shall continue to ascribe importance to military-political consultations and cooperation in our relations with the USA, aimed at reforming defense institutions and the development of the Armenian Armed Forces’ interoperability.


5.5 Reforming the defense sector and assisting international peacekeeping operations is a major direction of Armenia-NATO cooperation. We shall continue political dialogue with NATO in the defense and security sectors as an element of building Armenia’s defense capacity.

5.6 In the context of national security, Armenia is committed to pursuing its interests within international institutions of economic integration, diversifying and strengthening the interconnectivity of regional transportation and energy infrastructure, and participating in infrastructure corridors formed on the basis of inclusivity.

5.7 Armenia is both an active player and an initiator within the Eurasian Economic Union, ascribing importance to its integration processes. Cooperation between economies and economic entities of other regions and the EAEU are a means of expanding Armenia’s opportunities for international economic cooperation.

5.8 We ascribe importance to sectoral cooperation with the European Union and shall consistently work towards maximizing existing opportunities, particularly the Armenia-EU CEPA economic dialogue and the implementation of its economic components.

5.9 Armenia shall conduct proactive and effective multilateral diplomacy with the conviction that effective multilateralism fosters equitable cooperation between large and small states, and is a prerequisite for international security, peace, and development.

5.10 Effective cooperation within the framewok of the UN contributes to the localization of international best practices and the use of resources in Armenia’s programs aimed at sustainable development. It also holds important significance in increasing Armenia’s capacity in the prevention of genocide and the struggle against terrorism, other violent manifestations of extremism, cyber crime, the illicit drug trade, and other transnational crimes, as well as in disaster risk management.

5.11 Armenia shall remain active in the military-political, economic-environmental, and human dimensions of the OSCE, viewing them as important components of regional security and stability.

5.12 We shall continue to support the instilling and disseminating of human rights, democracy, rule of law, and tolerance within the framework of the Council of Europe.

GENOCIDE PREVENTION

5.13 Preventing genocide and crimes against humanity is one of the most important components of Armenia’s security and foreign policy, reflected in Armenia’s strategic approach to both regional security and international cooperation.

5.14 The responsibility to protect the population of the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh is a cornerstone of our foreign and defense policy.

5.15 Genocide prevention in the international arena is not only a legal obligation for us but also a moral one. As descendents of the victims of the first genocide of the 20th century, the


Armenian nation and the state it founded are committed to protecting the right to life of ethnic, religious, and racial groups and their members.

5.16 On the global level, the Republic of Armenia honors this commitment by engaging and assuming a leading role in international cooperation based on the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

5.17 International recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide greatly contributes to the prevention of new genocides.

5.18 Turkey’s respect for the comprehensive security of Armenia and the Armenian people must be part of protecting the rights of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and their descendants.

5.19 Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the rights of its victims and their descendants shall form the necessary basis for overcoming the consequences of the Armenian Genocide.

ARMENIA-DIASPORA RELATIONS: A PAN-ARMENIAN OUTLOOK

5.20 Among the most important components of Armenia’s national security policy is the further development of relations and cooperation between Armenia and its Diaspora to a new pinnacle. Ascribing importance to the unity between the Republic of Armenia, Artsakh, and the Armenians dispersed throughout the world, the Republic of Armenia adopts a Pan-Armenian outlook, one of forming a unified Pan-Armenian agenda.

5.21 Armenia-Diaspora relations aim to create a Pan-Armenian format, based on a participatory principle, for resolving pan-national issues and priorities. In the context of developing a Pan-Armenian outlook, the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church, with its hierarchic Dioceses, the Armenian Catholic Church, and the Armenian Evangelical Church, as well as the Pan-Armenian structures of the Diaspora, play an important role.

5.22 The primary goal of Armenia-Diaspora relations is protecting Armenian interests, as well as ensuring progress through collective action.

5.23 The Diaspora is part of Armenia’s competitive and powerful potential. We shall undertake steps to involve the abilities of the Diaspora in resolving state-building, security, economic, scientific-educational, demographic, technological, modernization, and other strategic issues that pose a challenge to the country.

5.24 The main threats to the development of Armenia-Diaspora cooperation include the assimilation of diasporan Armenians, the endangered condition of both Armenian spiritual-cultural values abroad and the Western Armenian language, and the deterioration

The responsibility to protect the popula-

tion of the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh is a cornerstone of our

foreign and defense policy.


in living conditions and endangered physical existence of Armenian communities in zones of conflict.

5.25 With the purpose of advancing the security of the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh, as well as strengthening the position of Armenians in the Diaspora, we shall support the realization of the political, economic, social, and cultural potential of Armenians worldwide.

5.26 We shall stimulate the implementation of programs with collective participation from the Republic of Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora, which, in parallel to contributing to the development of the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh, also enrich the abilities and the potential of the Diaspora.

5.27 Armenia is committed to preserving Armenian identity and developing Armenian educational and cultural life in the Diaspora, as well as to exerting efforts toward the inclusion back into the Armenian collective of those who have been separated from the Armenian environment.

5.28 We are committed to creating new connections between various diasporan communities and to stimulating an environment conducive to inter-community cooperation, as well as to strengthening the global Armenian network through the use of modern technology and the transnational transfers of resources, skills, and ideas that it provides.

5.29 Armenia shall encourage repatriation through individual initiatives and state programs. With this purpose in mind, we shall ensure sufficient conditions for Armenians to assemble in


Armenia and integrate into the educational-cultural and socio-economic spheres. Armenia shall also encourage organized repatriation, with the purpose of ensuring the safety of Armenians, in times of geopolitical confrontation.

5.30 Within the limits of its capacity, Armenia, in cooperation with the countries of citizenship of its diasporan compatriots, shall continue to provide necessary support to the Armenian communities of the Diaspora, in order to withstand immediate security challenges.


6. SECURING DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND THE RULE OF LAW



6.1 Strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law contribute to Armenia’s national security. Reinforcing the rule of law and the principle of checks and balances through the separation of powers, as well as ensuring social justice and high levels of public trust in state institutions contribute to our stability and development.

6.2 An independent and effective judicial system is of strategic importance for strengthening justice and democracy. Armenia shall proceed with judicial reforms impacting both courts and prosecutorial and investigative bodies. Our objective is to ensure the effectiveness and independence of the judiciary, as well as the integrity and accountability of judges before the public, subsequently fostering public trust in the judiciary.

6.3 In Armenia, the individual holds ultimate value. We are committed to fully protecting the rights and freedoms of every person residing in Armenia, as well as fully integrating ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups into every area of public life and the system of state governance.


6.4 Considering that all manifestations of corruption as threats to the state, public security, and the democratic system of governance, Armenia has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Our anti-corruption policy shall result in the creation and development of the institutional foundations for the prevention and detection of corruption, as well as setting high standards of conduct for state officials. We shall also promote anti-corruption education and awareness.

6.5 We are committed to continually improving the institutional mechanisms of free, fair, and transparent elections, as well as increasing public trust in elections.

6.6 The low level of women’s participation in various areas of social and political life—and especially in state governance—prevent Armenia from fully utilizing its human capital towards national security and sustainable development. The state shall, therefore, make sure to grant equal rights, opportunities, and conditions to women and men, as well as stimulate the integration and participation of women in political decision-making.

6.7 Armenia shall continue developing decentralized, effective, and transparent local government entities.

In Armenia, the individual holds

ultimate value.


6.8 We ascribe importance to the development of civil society institutions, including trade unions defending labor rights and social interests. The state shall look to increase the involvement of civil society in political decision-making. Since civil oversight is an important guarantor of effective governance, the state shall encourage dialogue with society and expand cooperation platforms.

6.9 Armenia ascribes special importance to freedom of expression, pluralism, and an independent mass media. At the same time, zero tolerance shall be afforded to terrorism, extremist propaganda, discrimination based on race, ethnic or social origin, religion, sex, political or other views, or to hate-speech and incitements to violence.


7. ENSURING THE SECURITY AND WELL-BEING OF THE CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA, AND THE STATE’S SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT



DEVELOPING A RESILIENT PUBLIC SECURITY SYSTEM

7.1 Our vision for ensuring state and public security is the development of a highly resilient system of state governance. In this regard, high levels of both legal and public awareness are of pivotal significance. Our goal is to become one of the safest states in the world.

7.2 Armenia shall continue harmonizing and increasing the effectiveness of the state governing system, law enforcement agencies, special services, and state audit institutions. From this perspective, we ascribe importance to those kinds of legal-bureaucratic reforms of security institutions that are distinctive to democratic, parliamentary states, thus ensuring not only transparency, but also higher levels of parliamentary, political, and civil oversight.

7.3 In the context of ensuring state and public security, Armenia ascribes importance to improving the capacity of state and local government institutions to employ a permanent and comprehensive risk management system, as well as advancing risk management capabilities. From this perspective, we shall emphasize the development of an evidence-based, interdisciplinary, and interministerial system of identifying, evaluating, and classifying risks on a national scale, which shall contribute to increasing the efficiency of the risk management process.

7.4 Armenia shall consistently continue to reduce the risk of man-made and natural disasters to improve its systems of rapid and targeted response, ensure organized and timely elimination of consequences, increase the level of public awareness during emergencies, and improve disaster-resistant rehabilitation systems.

7.5 The continual reduction of domestic crime rates is one of our priorities. Considering the concept of a violence-free society as an important prerequisite for social solidarity, we shall seek to reject the culture of violence. We shall pay special attention to preventing the spread of the criminal subculture—the particular behavior and set of rules prescribed and recognized by criminal networks. Violence, xenophobia, and the criminal subculture have no place in our society.

7.6 Armenia shall consistently combat the disruptive intelligence activities carried out by special services of foreign states, as well as organizations and individuals harming Armenia’s national interests. We shall also combat other violent manifestations of international terrorism and extremism, domestic and transnational organized crime, illicit trade in arms and ammunition, illegal migration, human trafficking, and money laundering. We shall also expand and deepen international cooperation in the fight against various forms of criminal activity.

Our vision for ensuring state and public security is the development of a

highly resilient system of state governance.


7.7 In its migration policy, Armenia is committed to safeguarding the free and safe mobility of people, while simultaneously balancing the provision of national security. We shall continue to ensure border security and increase the efficiency of integrated border management, particularly through the prevention of illicit border crossings, the effective and humane management of irregular migration, and the reduction of irregular migration of citizens of the Republic of Armenia. The state shall employ effective procedures to prevent the infiltration of infectious diseases posing a public health threat. Given the possibility of regional emergencies, we shall develop clear measures for the management of a potential mass influx of people into Armenia due to military actions or natural disasters.

7.8 Armenia shall improve its capacity for preventing the development, dissemination, and use of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons of mass destruction.

ENSURING OPEN AND SAFE INFORMATION AND CYBER DOMAINS

7.9 The main goal of Armenia’s information security policy is to balance and protect the interests of the individual, society, and the state. We base our information and cyberspace policy on the principles of human rights and freedoms, as well as state sovereignty. Armenia is an advocate of open, interoperable, reliable, and secure information and cyberspace.

7.10 Cyberattacks against information resources by foreign states, international terrorist organizations, criminal groups, and individuals threaten Armenia’s information security. New and unique challenges are posed by private entities, including foreign state-funded cyberattacks, which target Armenia’s critical information infrastructure and its government structures.

7.11 In the modern world, information wars, including propaganda, manipulations, fake news, and other disinformation tools are becoming more prevalent, and often target democratic values. In this context, we will work to raise public awareness and media literacy to strengthen the capacity of society and the state to counter such information wars.

7.12 A major challenge is the imperfection of a comprehensive state policy regulating the information and cybersecurity sector, the absence of legislation to ensure the protection of critical information infrastructure, the insufficient level of institutional capacity of computer emergency response teams, and the absence of a national cybersecurity center.

7.13 In the fields of information, technology, and cybersecurity, we are working to increase the efficiency of institutions and processes, and develop the underlying infrastructure. Armenia is committed to developing state information, technological, and cybersecurity policies and strategies, as well as introducing comprehensive mechanisms for the management of the sector. We will develop a legal-normative framework in order to regulate the relationship between the operators of critical information

We base our information and cyberspace policy

on the principles of human rights and

freedoms, as well as state sovereignty.


infrastructure, digital service providers, and the state. As a result, a national cybersecurity center and computer emergency response teams will be established.

7.14 Concerning technological security, Armenia pursues the elimination of vulnerabilities stemming from technologies and technological components used in critical spheres and infrastructure, the reduction of risks due to technologies of foreign origin, and the development of a national technological base, including through cooperation with technology suppliers.

7.15 To increase resiliency in the information space, we will develop national information and cyber capabilities by effectively managing risks, developing qualified professional potential, localizing international standards, and increasing the level of digital literacy.

7.16 Given the diversity of players, the absence of international borders in the information space, and the involvement of both private and public actors in various capacities, it is crucial to increase the level of cooperation between the public, private, and international sectors.

DEVELOPING A COMPETITIVE ECONOMY AND ENSURING FOOD SECURITY

7.17 To ensure Armenia’s economic security, we prioritize the continuous and technology-based development of the economy, resilience against internal and external economic threats and shocks, adaptability to the rapidly-changing environment of the global economy, national competitiveness in global markets, and mechanisms for organizing and coordinating the uninterrupted operation of the economy and the financial system.

7.18 Our economic policy shall continue to focus on maintaining macroeconomic stability, ensuring free competition driven by market forces, shrinking the shadow economy, continually improving the business environment, attracting foreign investment, promoting exports, diversifying economic sectors, and increasing their productivity and technological capacity.

7.19 The state shall continue to create favorable conditions for entrepreneurship. Every citizen of the Republic of Armenia can participation effectively in the development of the economy and creating their own prosperity. The state shall pay special attention to strengthening voluntary tax and customs compliance among society, as well as improving tax and customs administration.

7.20 The state shall take active steps towards ensuring physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, nutritious, and diversified food for all sectors of society. Our policy aims at increasing the resilience of the food security system.

7.21 Armenia shall make efforts to develop its agri-food system and increase the levels of self-sufficiency for most important foodstuffs by improving land productivity, supporting the development of the agricultural sector, and assisting local production.


7.22 Armenia shall adopt measures to diversify its import and export markets, as well as to introduce effective mechanisms for the formation and management of material reserves, replenishing these reserves with important staples, and increasing their capacity by utilizing mechanisms of public-private partnership.

7.23 The replenishment of material reserves is essential for meeting Armenia’s mobilization needs, preventing emergency situations—or in the event of their occurrence, mitigating and eliminating their repercussions—as well as for rescue and urgent disaster relief operations, implementing civil defense measures, withstanding temporary disruptions in the food supply, and providing humanitarian assistance.

DEVELOPING A SELF-SUFFICIENT AND STABLE ENERGY SYSTEM

7.24 Ensuring Armenia’s energy independence and energy security is one of our strategic priorities. We shall strive to develop a self-sufficient, export-oriented, highly reliable and technologically-advanced electricity system with modern infrastructure.

7.25 Our energy policy aims at neutralizing the threats facing the sector: dependence on imports of liquid and gaseous fuels, possible disruptions in transit infrastructure, the economic blockade imposed by Turkey and Azerbaijan, and attempts to isolate Armenia from regional projects.


7.26 Armenia shall continue to work towards diversifying its means and routes of energy supply by deepening energy cooperation with partner states and the integration of energy systems.

7.27 As a long-term goal, Armenia shall exert targeted efforts toward becoming a regional energy hub, linking the energy systems of neighboring countries and the Eurasian Economic Union’s common electricity market.

7.28 On the road to developing and diversifying the energy system, we shall utilize domestic primary (renewable) energy resources in conformity with all applicable environmental standards, aim for efficient and reasonable economic consumption, adopt alternative technologies for energy generation and accumulation, liberalize energy markets, and introduce energy-efficient and energy-saving technologies.

7.29 In the context of ensuring energy independence and energy security, we shall also commit to the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, specifically the construction of new nuclear energy units in Armenia.


PROMOTING SOCIAL WELL-BEING AND IMPROVING THE DEMOGRAPHIC SITUATION

7.30 Armenia has set itself the goal of attaining public well-being and solidarity through human rights-centered social policy.

7.31 We are committed to substantially reducing poverty levels and eradicating extreme poverty, as well as improving citizen welfare through structural reforms in social security programs and the establishment of an effective system to exercise social rights.

7.32 To ensure social security, Armenia shall take steps directed at reducing unemployment, providing the population with permanent and temporary employment, improving living standards via job creation, and expanding the middle class.

7.33 We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities and social and economic inclusion for various social groups, including ensuring dignified aging, equality between women and men and violence prevention, as well as the effective protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and children.

7.34 Considering demography as an essential component of progressive development and security, Armenia has set the goal of stabilizing its population size and creating the prerequisites for demographic growth.

7.35 Armenia shall take precise steps toward increasing the birth rate and encouraging repatriation by ensuring prosperous and dignified living conditions, and a state-funded social safety net.

DIRECTING INTELLECTUAL POTENTIAL TOWARDS THE HIGH-TECH AND DEFENSE SECTORS

7.36 Armenia conducts a state policy of fostering intellectual potential, which aims to increase the resilience of the country’s security system and its further development. The multifaceted inclusion of scientific potential in all critical sectors, including defense, allows the continuation of their effective modernization and development.

7.37 In this context, we ascribe importance to the role of the public scientific-educational system in Armenia’s development as a high-tech center. The restructuring of the scientific-educational system, apart from achieving other objectives, shall allow us to incentivize excellence in research of dual-use high technologies, as well as increase the country’s competitiveness, and contribute to its overall security.

We are committed to ensuring equal oppor-tunities and social and economic inclusion for various social groups


7.38 It is crucial to define strategic priorities for the spheres of education and science to ensure their organic connection with the needs of the state and the private sector, as well as with global development trends. The state will support the Armenian high-tech sector and its domestic and foreign sales by arranging mutually-beneficial mechanisms to attract public, private, and foreign investments.

7.39 The development of the military-industrial complex as a key factor in the continuous expansion of the Armed Forces’ power, economic growth, and scientific and technological progress is a strategic priority for Armenia. In this sector, we shall emphasize state investments and the implementation of state contracts, encourage private investment in the military-industrial sector, diversify and increase the production volume of the military-industrial complex, and the incorporation of the latest technologies in the military-industrial sector. This will allow Armenia to reduce its dependence on imports of weapons and military equipment, and will drastically increase the competitiveness of domestically-produced military and high-tech equipment in the international market.


PROMOTING PUBLIC HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY

7.40 Armenia’s public health policy aims at preserving, strengthening, and improving individual and public health. To implement this goal, we shall continue to emphasize disease prevention, lowering rates of mortality and disability, improving the healthcare system through the introduction of the latest advances in medical science, improving the quality of the healthcare system, ensuring access to care, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and increasing awareness about public health.

7.41 In the context of ensuring public health and turning Armenia into a technologically-advanced industrial country, we shall encourage the domestic production and export of high-tech products in the health sector.

7.42 We shall continue to develop and expand a comprehensive health insurance system aimed at offering more effective and affordable healthcare services.

7.43 In the context of ensuring public health, we shall continue to ascribe importance to the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of widespread non-communicable diseases, the prevention of infectious disease oubreaks and epidemics, the prevention of both new and recurring diseases, as well as the prevention of manageable infectious diseases by administering vaccinations through a national immunization program and combatting the spread of disinformation about vaccination.

7.44 Armenia shall strengthen its capacity to prevent and respond to emergencies caused by radioactive, chemical, and biological factors.


7.45 We shall pay special attention to the protection of mothers and children, continually reduce infant mortality rates, and encourage higher birth rates.

7.46 We ascribe importance to ensuring the biosecurity of the individual, society, and the state, as well as protecting the animal world and the surrounding environment from the impact of biologically hazardous elements.

7.47 Armenia will implement an integrated state policy to ensure the biological security of the population. We shall strengthen system response mechanisms and risk management techniques for biological hazards and threats, and epidemics. We will also develop the professional capacities of reference laboratories and their staff.

7.48 We shall continue international cooperation on biosecurity and bioprotection through both bilateral and multilateral formats by emphasizing the development of collaborative, equal, and appropriate partnerships and strengthening the Republic of Armenia’s self-relience in this sector.

REHABILITATING, PROTECTING, AND IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT

7.49 Protecting the environment and the effective management of natural resources are imperative factors for the natural livelihood and national security of Armenia. Armenia balances its policy of environmental management with social justice and economic efficiency.

7.50 Acknowledging Lake Sevan as Armenia’s strategic water resource reserve, we are committed to the rehabilitation and preservation of its ecosystem and the productive management of water resources, including the Ararat artesian well and river ecosystems, as well as the preservation of vital water basins and wetlands.

7.51 We shall take effective steps towards the sustainable management and expansion of fauna and flora, forests, and protected nature reserves, as well as reducing soil erosion and desertification. Our priorities include the reasonable use of natural resources, the remediation of damaged land, ensuring the safety of tailing ponds, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring biosecurity.

7.52 With the purpose of ensuring a safe environment, we shall improve the management of radioactive, chemical, and biological hazardous waste. We will establish a system for the safe management of chemical substances.

7.53 Armenia intends to develop and implement a policy aimed at the introduction of the green economy, develop state-of-the-art technologies and environmentally-clean production, and invest in and apply a monitoring system that is based on scientific evidence and risk assessment.

We shall continue to develop

and expand a comprehensive

health insurance system aimed

at offering more effective

and affordable healthcare services.


7.54 Our priorities in the sector include raising public awareness and instilling an environmental mindset, as well as ensuring the introduction of environmental education.

7.55 We ascribe importance to international cooperation in the domains of environmental protection and the use of natural resources, specifically aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of global climate change and increasing resilience and adaptability, including a reduction in land damaged by mining, preventing the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of natural areas, as well as a reduction in levels of atmospheric air pollution.


8. CONCLUSION

8.1 The National Security Strategy of the Republic of Armenia is adopted as a guiding document for defining the main directions, threats, challenges, and priorities of security policy.

8.2 All sectoral documents on Armenia’s security and sustainable development that contain a security component emanate from the fundamental provisions and the framework of Armenia’s National Security Strategy.

8.3 State administrative bodies submit annual reports on the implementation of the provisions included in the National Security Strategy to the Office of the Security Council, which are then summarized and presented to the Prime Minister.

8.4 The Strategy is subject to review at least every five years, or more frequently if necessitated due to changing circumstances and priorities in Armenia and the world.

PRIME MINISTER’S REMARKS

1.INTRODUCTION2. ARMENIA’S SECURITY ENVIRONMENT3. NATIONAL INTERESTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA4. ENSURING THE INDEPENDENCE, SOVEREIGNTY, AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF ARMENIA, AND THE SECURITY OF ARTSAKH

Formation of a more favorable external environmentDeterrence and neutralization of military threatsEnsuring the security of Artsakh5. PEACE AND ENHANCED INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Promoting international cooperation, security, and peaceGenocide preventionArmenia-Diaspora relations: a Pan-Armenian outlook6. SECURING DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND THE RULE OF LAW7. ENSURING THE SECURITY AND WELL-BEING OF THE CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA, AND THE STATE’S SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Developing a resilient public security systemEnsuring open and safe information and cyber domainsDeveloping a competitive economy and ensuring food securityDeveloping a self-sufficient and stable energy systemPromoting social well-being and improving the demographic situationDirecting intellectual potential towards the high-tech and defense sectorsPromoting public health and biosecurityRehabilitating, protecting, and improving the environment

8. CONCLUSION

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